In Afghanistan, the winters are getting colder. In 2022/23, the temperature dropped to below -30°C in the mountainous regions. In a country where more than half of the population does not have enough food to eat and millions of children are suffering from malnutrition, the colder months can be deadly.
Ghor province, a remote and mountainous region in central Afghanistan, is home to over 600,000 people. Exposed to one of the country’s harshest climates, crop production is hampered by both floods and drought, and many families live in unheated mud-brick homes that are vulnerable to erosion.
There are many internally displaced people in Ghor, and families are ill-prepared for the harsh challenges of winter. Mohammad is a father of 8, and the sole breadwinner for his family. He used to travel from his village home to Firoz Koh city to polish shoes for a living, making around 100-200 Afghanis ($2-3) each day. But an injury has left him unable to travel far.
“As winter draw near, the hardships my family faces became increasingly apparent. We are grappling with financial strain, which leaves us unable to stock up on essential supplies, including food and heating materials,” Mohammad says. “The biting cold seeps into our home, and I can see the effects on my children, who are starting to cough and show signs of discomfort. The uncertainty of how we will endure the winter months weighs heavily on my mind, leaving me anxious about our ability to provide for one another during this harsh season.
“Winter, for me, often brings a sense of despair as it signifies a time when I struggle to find work and provide for my family. Being disabled in my legs makes it particularly challenging to travel to the city during these cold months, which limits my job opportunities. This situation has a direct impact on my family, as I am unable to meet even the most fundamental needs, such as putting food on the table. It’s a harsh reality that weighs heavily on my heart, knowing that I cannot fulfil these basic responsibilities.
“The cold days can feel isolating and overwhelming, but I cling to the belief that with faith and perseverance, we can find a way to overcome these challenges. I remain hopeful that better days are ahead, and that we will receive the strength we need to endure this season together.”
A positive effect on the community
Islamic Relief’s Winterisation Programme aims to ease the burden and boost the resilience of vulnerable families to survive the arduous winter months. For over 30 years, Islamic Relief has worked in Afghanistan, providing essential items such as blankets, fuel and warm clothes, as well as cash-based assistance, to families like Mohammad’s. Providing cash empowers those we support to make choices based on their own needs and priorities.
“The winterisation cash assistance from Islamic Relief has had a significant and positive effect on our community… The financial support from Islamic Relief allows us to focus on our most pressing needs without the added stress of financial constraints,” Mohammad says.
“Thanks to this assistance, families can purchase essential items like firewood or coal to heat their homes, warm clothing for their kids, and even basic groceries. This support empowers us to make decisions that cater to our specific circumstances, which is something we truly appreciate… It has instilled a sense of hope in us during such a desperate time. Without this assistance, the situation would have been incredibly dire for my children. I am truly grateful to Islamic Relief for their timely help in our time of need.”
Last year, Islamic Relief reached over 6,500 people in Afghanistan through our Winterisation Programme. This year, with your help, we can do even more.
Please help us give warmth and save lives in Afghanistan and beyond this winter. Donate to our Winter Appeal now.
